El Mercado Modern Cuisine

Orange County Register’s renowned food critic Brad A. Johnson.

“It’s the best Tlayuda in the OC,” wrote Johnson on his latest review of El Mercado Modern.

The Tlayuda dish also made it to Paste Magazines list of one of the nine spots to eat Tlayudas in America.

Other popular dishes such as the Mole, inspired in the Mexican State of Puebla and the Tlacoyos an inspiration from Mexico City’s street food have also made El Mercado Modern’s menu an exquisite option for adventurous restaurant goers who at El Mercado Modern get to try a dish from almost every region of México.

El Mercado Modern Cuisine debuted with a well-balanced representation from the Mexican cuisine, as we move from season to season, we plan to add new State representation and make it a seasonal menu. Our goal is to take our guests through an adventure of Mexico’s great cuisine one bite at a time, using modern techniques for our simple yet elegant dishes.
During this year, El Mercado Modern also re-invented Taco Tuesday by naming its Tuesdays “Ruta del Taco” [taco route] such route includes a variety of tacos depending on the weekly creations from the Chef de Cuisine. Tacos, which are made with El Mercado Modern’s handmade tortillas, include Chicken, Pork, and of course our one of a kind vegetarian options if anyone who's in the mood for a meatless dish. Patrons have the option to pair their tacos with agave spirits recommended by the bartenders.

Other weekly specials at the artsy-decorated restaurant include, Wednesday night happy hour, Thursday Chef’s specials, Taco Tuesday, Sunday brunch and Late Night Happy Hour on Friday and Saturday night.

Brunch items include, innovative breakfast Tacos, Huevos Rancheros, the highly popular open faced Pambazo, a piece of bread or telera soaked in chile Guajillo salsa topped with bean puree, Chorizo spiced pork loin, lettuce and jocoque cheese among other great ingredients and our home-made Piloncillo Pancakes.

Our goal at El Mercado Modern Cuisine is that the new school takes the old school vision and experience to life. And, let’s not forget about the drinks, during this year long, our award-winning bartender has re-invented the mix drink scene by creating some of the most amazing craft cocktails the OC food and drink scene has ever seen.

Our barman plays with a variety of Mezcals, Tequilas and his newest, Pisco, mixed drinks which has dinners talking very positive about it.

Our barman and his crew who are known for their superb cocktail creations, of which include the "Italian Wolf", a fresh drink with a touch of smokiness that will be added back on the menu this Fall, by popular demand​

The talented mixologist has wowed many with his skills behind the bar, and continues to reinvent his cocktail game with new cocktails every season and holidays.

Thanks to their talent El Mercado Modern has become the local’s bar.